Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 others in a federal crackdown on illegal sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes. Authorities allege insider information on NBA players and rigged card games led to millions in fraudulent winnings.
Massive Federal Takedown Targets Gambling Network
Federal prosecutors in New York announced the arrest of over 30 individuals connected to two sprawling gambling operations, linking high-profile NBA figures to illegal activity. Chauncey Billups faces charges for participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes poker games tied to organized crime, while Terry Rozier is accused of exploiting private player information to place advantageous NBA bets.
Joseph Nocella, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, described the case as “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.” Both Billups and Rozier face charges of money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy. Former NBA assistant coach and player Damon Jones is also charged in connection with both schemes.
Scope of Alleged Fraud and NBA Implications
Authorities describe the fraud as involving tens of millions of dollars over multiple years. FBI Director Kash Patel noted the complexity and scale of the operations, which exploited both sports betting platforms and organized poker games.
Despite these allegations, the financial impact pales compared to the athletes’ professional earnings. Billups, a 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, earned approximately $106 million over his 17-year career, while Rozier accumulated around $160 million playing for Boston, Miami, and Charlotte.
The NBA has placed both men on leave and is cooperating with federal authorities. In a statement, the league emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Statements
Following their arrests, Rozier appeared in federal court in Orlando, Florida, while Billups appeared in Portland, Oregon. Both were released under specific conditions.
Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, denied the allegations, calling his client a “man of integrity” who would not jeopardize his legacy or freedom. Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, stated that his client “is not a gambler” and criticized the manner of his arrest, suggesting officials were seeking public attention rather than following standard procedures.
Roughly 20 other defendants appeared in federal court in Brooklyn, with many accused of violent crimes or having extensive criminal records. Those individuals were largely detained pending trial.
Mafia-Linked Poker Operations
The poker scheme allegedly involved rigged games where unsuspecting players competed against former NBA professionals such as Billups and Jones. Investigators allege the use of advanced cheating tools, including altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special eyewear, and X-ray-equipped tables.
New York crime families, including the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno organizations, reportedly received a share of the proceeds. Court filings suggest these groups also employed violence, extortion, and robbery to maintain control over the operation and ensure repayment of debts.
NBA Betting Scheme Details
In a separate sports betting scheme, Rozier and other defendants allegedly shared confidential information about NBA players’ health and playing intentions. This information was then used to place bets on player-specific statistics, or prop bets.
One cited example involves Rozier during a 2023 Charlotte Hornets game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Authorities allege Rozier informed associates of a planned early exit due to a supposed injury, allowing bettors to profit from his limited playtime. Social media posts from the night indicated bettors suspected irregularities regarding prop bets for his performance.
Other Players Named in Indictments
While several NBA players were referenced in the investigation, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard, court filings clarify these individuals are not accused of wrongdoing. The information shared involved their injury status and game availability, drawn from publicly accessible reports.
The indictments show defendants used this information to influence betting outcomes in games involving the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers during 2023 and 2024. The NBA had previously investigated Rozier for related conduct.
Source: AP News – NBA head coach and player charged in sprawling sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes
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